“Good people will do what they find honorable to do, even if it requires hard work…” —Seneca
We all know that one people who seems to be going through life effortlessly. Every aspect of their life just seems to be naturally together for them: successful careers, awesome personal relationships, top notch physical and mental fitness.
And you’ve probably wondered over and again, why can’t that be me? What do they have that I don’t?
Well, for me that person is Marcus Aurelius.
And going through his life history, the answer is straightforward: habit.
“You are not your body and hair-style, but your capacity for choosing well. If your choices are beautiful, so too will you be.” —Epictetus
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor who made a great impact on the world’s history.
Aurelius journaled daily and his works were later compiled into Meditations — one of the bestselling philosophy books of all time.
That’s why I have opted to follow his daily routine for the next couple weeks. I want to test what will happen if I adopt his philosophy to life and whether it will be worth it.
What's Covered in This Article
These are Marcus Aurelius’ daily routine
Waking up early
“When you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for — the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?” — Marcus Aurelius
Finding pleasure in things rarely noticed by others
“Anyone with a feeling for nature — a deeper sensitivity — will find it all gives pleasure. Even what seems inadvertent. He’ll find the jaws of live animals as beautiful as painted ones or sculptures. He’ll look calmly at the distinct beauty of old age in men, women, and at the loveliness of children. And other things like that will call out to him constantly — things unnoticed by others. Things seen only by those at home with Nature and its works.” — Marcus Aurelius
Meditating on my mortality
“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” — Marcus Aurelius. Meditations 2.11
Meditating on this created priority and meaning for Marcus. It’s the tool that he used to create real perspective and urgency.
Each evening as Marcus tucked his 13 children into bed and said goodnight to them, he thought to himself “don’t rush this, this might be the last time you do this. It’s not a guarantee that either of you will make it through the night”.
My schedule will aim to maximize my time and direct my attention to the things that matter most.
“Don’t behave as if you are destined to live forever… As long as you live and while you can, become good now.” —Marcus Aurelius
That was his personal reminder to continue living a virtuous life NOW, and not wait.
Journaling
“I needed to train and discipline my character. Not to be sidetracked by my interest in rhetoric. Not to write treatises on abstract questions, or deliver moralizing little sermons, or compose imaginary descriptions of The Simple Life or the man who lives only for others. To steer clear of oratory, poetry, and belles lettres. Not to dress up just to stroll around the house, or things like that. To write straightforward.” — Marcus Aurelius
I will focus on both video and written gratitude journaling and reflecting on my day in a few sentences.
The main goal will be to review my actions and audit whether they match my 5 year strategic plan, my vision board and goals for the year.
